Tattoo Sleeve

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By GreatTattoosNow

Sleeve Tattoo Ideas and Designs

Full Half and Quater Sleeve Tattoo Info

Have you been contemplating getting a sleeve tattoo? Or maybe you are just wondering what the heck they are? If you are thinking about making the commitment to a full, half or quater sleeve tattoo then go for it!




Some Great Male Full Sleeve Tattoo Pictures

More great traditional Japanese Sleeve Tattoos Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/449311028_ebe9d122bc.jpg?v=0
More great traditional Japanese Sleeve Tattoos Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/449311028_ebe9d122bc.jpg?v=0
Nice Full Arm Dragon Sleeve Tattoo Soruce: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/121479340_0cb205588b.jpg?v=0
Nice Full Arm Dragon Sleeve Tattoo Soruce: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/46/121479340_0cb205588b.jpg?v=0
Great Koi Traditional Japanese Full Sleeve Tattoo Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/121478305_f18f0215a8.jpg?v=0
Great Koi Traditional Japanese Full Sleeve Tattoo Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/34/121478305_f18f0215a8.jpg?v=0
Another Great Tattoo Sleeve Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/368669614_2491ed8541.jpg?v=0
Another Great Tattoo Sleeve Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/368669614_2491ed8541.jpg?v=0

A sleeve tattoo basically reffers to any type of tattoo that completely covers the skin in the mentioned area. Typically sleeve tattoos are done on the arms and they can come in a variety of lengths. A full sleeve tattoo being form the shoulder blade all the way down to the wrist. A half sleeve then is from the shouler to the elbow and a quater sleeve is typically from the elbow to the wrist.

The word sleeve comes from clothing and it is a direct relation to the area on a shirt you call a sleeve that covers your arms. Therefore a sleeve tattoo essentially covers your arm as a shrit sleeve would. However, in a lot more artistic style and flair!

All Paths Lead To Rome (Or at least a sleeve tattoo)

If you have already taken the plunge and gotten some ink done on your body then you probably know by now how incredible addictive tattoos can be. Many people have stated that once they got started they just could not stop. In fact for many people tattoos are very theraputic! Something about needeles, pain and art being combined seem to have a magic and theraputic effect.

Either way you look at it a sleeve tattoo either full, half or quater is a major commitment in time, money, and effort! There are two different paths that people typically fall into when getting a sleeve tattoo.

The Individual Tattoos Path To A Sleeve Tattoo

One way that sleeve tattoos occur is kind of on accident. People start by getting one or two tattoos and they quickly find themselve addicted. They then continue getting tattoos in the area until most of their arm is filled with a bunch of indivdual tattoos. Often at this point people still want more tattoos so they design a way to connect up all of the individual tattoos into one large sleeve tattoo.

One Complete Project Part To A Sleeve Tattoo

The second way that people end up getting a sleeve tattoo done is they start out wanting a full sleeve tattoo and they plan the whole thing before starting. This takes a great deal of foresight, time and effort to come up with a unique and yet meaningful design that can cover the entire arm. However, these can often be very meaningful projects.


Sleeve Tattoo Inspiration, Ideas, And Design Resrouces

If you are truly contemplating getting a full sleeve tattoo then you will probably want to spend some time thinking about it. Of couse you might have just fallen upon a sleeve tattoo by getting a collection of smaller tattoos that you are now planning on getting connected up. However, if you are planning from the beginning to get a sleeve tattoo done then you will want to spend some time conteplating what types of tattoo designs you would like to get. It is improtant before starting the actual tattoo to spend some time thinking about the designs, styles and types of tattoo images you would like to get.

Here is a list of some of the more popular thems and sleeve tattoo design ideas that are oftend one. Of course this in no way locks you into getting one of these ideas but it just serves as some suggestions to get the ball rolling and get your mind wandering. Typically that tattoo that you spend the most time designing will be the one that you are proud to wear the rest of your life. If you simple get a flame sleeve tattoo just because your friend did or because you go drunk one night chances are you will end up regretting the decision later in life. However, if you plan ahead and pick a meaningful tattoo design that is full of important symbols and expresses something about your individuality in a meaninful way then you will be proud!

Tattoo Sleeve Ideas and Designs

1. Flame Tattoo Sleeves- These can often work as part of a larger full sleeve tattoo. The flames typically start down at the wrist area and then move up the forearm. As you get towards the top or shoulder area other tattoos and designs can be incorporated.

2. Tribal Tattoo Sleeve - These are very popular options when choosing tattoo sleeves as the bold, thick and dark lines look great form a distance. There of course are many different tribal tattoos and a long history of tattooing among many native cutlures. For example you might choose to get a Hawaiian tribal tattoo or something from the Maori tribe. No matter what tribe and design you decide tribal designs bold features often make a great option for a sleeve tattoo.

3. Celtic Knotwork Sleeve Tattoos - Celtic knotwork ofte makes a great design. These are very itricate tattoos with a ton of detail and interweaving lines. Therefore they are well suited for the larger canvas area of a full sleeve tattoo.

4. Floral Patterns Tattoos - Often for women especially but sometimes men also a floral pattern tattoo can look very stricking.

5. Traditonal Japanese Tattoo Designs - The Japanese have a rich history of tattooing and the art form has risen to the top among tattoo designs. These intricate designs often have very deep symbolic meanings and are very beautiful! They are also very exotic for westerns and unique making for a great combination for a full sleeve tattoo.

These are just a few of the ideas for a sleeve tattoo and what you choose should be entierly up to you and based on what you value and want to express about yourself. Do not ever get a tattoo becuase you saw some Hollywood celbrity with that design. Instead find something that speaks to you and has power and sybmolic meaning behind it!


Female Sleeve Tattoos

Great looking female design tattoo sleeve Flower sleeve tattoo source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/346105421_c2d635f1e9.jpg?v=0
Great looking female design tattoo sleeve Flower sleeve tattoo source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/346105421_c2d635f1e9.jpg?v=0
Hot looking full sleeve tattoo for female source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/428350157_87f3297ab4.jpg?v=0
Hot looking full sleeve tattoo for female source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/428350157_87f3297ab4.jpg?v=0
Great Half Sleeve Tattoo Design Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/468442448_27ff485703.jpg?v=0
Great Half Sleeve Tattoo Design Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/468442448_27ff485703.jpg?v=0
Nice collection of tattoo forming a female full sleeve Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/79/396116098_64ebd48976.jpg?v=0
Nice collection of tattoo forming a female full sleeve Source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/79/396116098_64ebd48976.jpg?v=0
Tattoo Art & Design Tattoo Art & Design
Price: $20.00
List Price: $35.00
Great Book of Tattoo Designs: More than 500 Body Art Designs Great Book of Tattoo Designs: More than 500 Body Art Designs
Price: $9.58
List Price: $16.95
500 Tattoo Designs 500 Tattoo Designs
Price: $6.07
List Price: $12.95
Tattoos Tattoos
Price: $14.65

Curious About Sleeve Tattoos?

Have you ever seen anyone in the store or some otherublic area witha full sleeve tattoo that is so stricking and beautiful that you feel drawn to it? Often people that have taken the time and made the commitment to getting a full sleeve tattoo are very proud of their body art. Knowing this fact if you are interested in someone tattoo take the time to go up and talk to them. Ask about their tattoo and let them know you like it! They will often be very happy to share all kinds of great information about the tattoo.


Male Half Sleeve Tattoos

A Great Tribal Tattoo Half Sleeve Design Nice use of colors on this.  Artist Ben Boston is on Flickr.com and does great work check him out at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ben_boston/
A Great Tribal Tattoo Half Sleeve Design Nice use of colors on this. Artist Ben Boston is on Flickr.com and does great work check him out at the following link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ben_boston/
Here is a half sleeve sort of tribal tattoo design source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/172957447_898d19993a.jpg?v=0
Here is a half sleeve sort of tribal tattoo design source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/71/172957447_898d19993a.jpg?v=0
Another Great Tribal half sleeve tattoo.  Again by Ben Boston can be found on Flickr.com http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/755332900_b7b1ae51f0.jpg?v=0
Another Great Tribal half sleeve tattoo. Again by Ben Boston can be found on Flickr.com http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/755332900_b7b1ae51f0.jpg?v=0

Time, Cost, And Commitment For Sleeve Tatttoos

Of coruse if you are considering getting a full sleeve tatto then you might very well be wondering how much time and money it will take. This is an incredibly hard questiont o answer as there is no set international rate for tattoo designs. It can really depend on a lot of factors. Some of the things that will go into the pricing consideration are:

1. The popularity of the tattoo artist - Of course having tattoo done by a local artist will cost a lot less them some well known tattoo artist. However, the results might be very different so it is imortant to shop around and really form a relatioship with the tattoo artist.

2. The amount of customization that you want - Of course getting a full sleeve done with some stock in store flash is going to be significantly cheaper then a fully custom design sleeve tattoo. Although I have to say you get what you pay for here folks and unless you really love the flash going with a stock design is usually not a good idea and paying the extra for custom design typically ends better.

3. How busy the shop is - Of course the busier tattoo shops can afford to charge more. It is basic supply and demand.

4. Intricacy Of The Design - Sort of like chosing stock flash the less intricate the design you have choosen is the faster the work will go and therefore the it will be less expesnive.

Some General Guidelines

Typically most tattooa rtists charge $100 dollars and up. Price can range depending on the popularity of that tattoo artist and the location they are working in. $150 an hour would be a good conservative place to start in your figuring ou tthe overall cost.

Time Considerations:

Full sleeve tattoos are not done in one simple sitting and it will take multiple hour long sessions. Many full sleeve tattoo designs can take around 20 hours of work. They are often done in one hour blocks over multiple weeks and sometimes even months and up.

With all of the above said averages costs for full sleeve tattoos run between 1,000 to 2,500 dollar range. Yet it is important to shop around and take some time in choosing that tattoo shop and artist that you choose to have do the work for you. Again forming a connection witht he artist can be very meaningful later. After all you are going to be spending a great deal of time with the person and working in conjunction with them in an artistic way so you want to find someone that will isten to your ideas and take your input into consideration. You don't want to work with someone that just wants to get the job done, get paid and get you out of the shop. This is a serious life long commitment so take the time to resaerch it throughly.

Celtic Sleeve Tattoo Designs

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Any Comments What Do You Think?

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Kevin  says:
2 years ago

Very informative and well written info, answered my questions....

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Awesome Kevin! Glad to help...You have the destinction of being the first to comment on one of my hubs so I am glad for the positive feedback.

You contemplating getting a sleeve tattoo? Would love to see a pic of it if you do and will gladly post it here!

Aleks  says:
2 years ago

Great reading, now i know stuff i didnt know before so thanks.

Im going for a sleeve now.

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GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Right on Aleks glad to help ya out. Let me know how it turns out? Do you have your ideas already gathered for it? Go ahead and share pics or ideas what you are thinking!

Jonny Boy  says:
2 years ago

Cheers for this it has been really helpful

This is has given me loads of info as I have been thinking of getting a half sleeve for a while now but it will be my first tattoo so didn't know much. I'm from Belfast so I'm just looking around various tattoo shops to see who has experience in doing half sleeves.

Once again this has been a great help cheers mate.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Right on glad to hear it! Good Luck with your sleeve tattoo. That is a brave understaking for a first tattoo. Most people go a little smaller for their first but hey no reasont o hold back if you know that is waht you want go for it! Glad you enjoyed reading the site!

Boots  says:
2 years ago

Extremely helpful. I am considering a full sleeve and this article has given me many things to think about and look out for. It will be my first tattoo and I am looking forward very much so to starting the design process. Thanks for the info.

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GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Boots! ight on gald someone else liked it! Some of hubpages are finally starting to get comments which is really cool. Good luck on your designs if you get a chance send some pictures I would love to add them here! It would be a great way to show off your cool work. Even if you just send pics of the design that would be super cool!

Good luck!

Chris  says:
2 years ago

I've thought about getting a half sleeve for a while now. The only problem is- is that im not quite sure what to get. And I definitley want something that is unique and not tacky. Any suggestions or designs would be great for an idea.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Chris-

Did any of the designs ont he hub page spark any ideas for you? There are two basic ways to go for a sleeve tattoo. 1. You get several seperate tattoos you like and then finally connect them together for a sleeve tattoo. The other way of course is if you know you want a half sleeve as you state then think about designs that inspire you. Typically tattoos that hold some personal signifcance will stand the test of time and also stand out and not look cheesy. I personally like a lot of the Japanese themes since they are classic, full of color and sort of have a mystic. However, that is just me and you have to decide on what designs and ideas you like. Think about your life, nd personal values. SOmeone you want to memorialize or some value you want to represent in the tattoo and that should help lead you. I personally think the tribal sleeve has been kind of over played unless you go for a Hawaiian or Pacific Islander tribal otherwise they are kind of a dime a dozen. Hope that helps you some it is really hard to lead someone to their perfect tattoo as it is a personal expression of yourself. At any rate hope it helps if you get some rough ideas post them here and see what people think or how they respond as an option.

Jasmine  says:
2 years ago

I've been considering a smaller tattoo for some time now. I would like to see a lot more pictures of tattoo lotusts, so I can have a better idea of what I'm going for.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Jasmine-

Cool to hear you are looking for a tattoo design. Unfortunetly smaller tattoo designs are not going to be very readily avalible in a lens on tattoo sleeves like this one. SLeeve tattoo are usually pretty big designs. Anyway you mentioned small designs and lotus flowers. So here you go ask and you shall recieve. Hopefully you will come back and see this.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Lotus_FLower_Tattoo

http://hubpages.com/hub/Flower_Tattoo_Design

http://www.squidoo.com/hawiian-flower-tattoos/

http://www.squidoo.com/femaletattoogallery/

Jord  says:
2 years ago

Great article!  I got the first installment of what I plan on being a full sleeve last year and have just started looking into local shops (I recently moved) to get more work done on it.  Still trying to figure out the design in its entirety but I'm sure once I find an artist we can work it out.

You can see the beginnings of it here: http://www.islandrosetattoo.com/photos/tats_merle/

momentos  says:
2 years ago

your articles are pretty informative. if you have some time i'd like to talk to you about japanese imagery meanings. i have some specific questions. feel free to email me or if you know of a good source...

thanks for taking the time to write about it.

-Jamie

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hi THere Jamie (Momentos)

Thanks for the positive comments I am glad you find my content informative. I try pretty hard to do research and find the most useful information for you about a specific type of tattoo. I would be happy to email you and see what I can do to help. The only problem is you didn't leave any email address. If you do I would be more then happy but please save yourself from the spam and write it in this way.

my email at yahoo dot com. That way you don't get all kinds of spam!

Anyway be happy to help. I know a decent amount about Japan and the symbolism of Japanese tattoos and have a pretty good expert with me. My wife is from Japan. So fire away and I can try to help and if I dont know I won't BS you about it.

christopher taylor  says:
2 years ago

superb article mate, well done.

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GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Christopher Taylor-

Thanks for the nice comment glad you enjoyed the hubpage!

Dan  says:
2 years ago

I have just started looking into getting a full sleeve after i get back from my deployment. You have a great article and it helped alot. I already have a celtic cross and i have been researching different knot and animal designs to incorproate into a sleeve. Do you have any other celtic full sleeve pics? I have been trying to figure out where to put what and any examples would be a great help. Thx!

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Dan-

Not sure you will ever come back but if you do then please check out below the comments. I added a whole section of Celtic arm or sleeve tattoos. Some of them are not full sleeves but it will hopefully give you some ideas anyway. Your wish is my command my friend. Enjoy!

Dan  says:
2 years ago

Thanx for adding the celtic pics. You have an awesome website here and lots of good info, very helpfull.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Dan Awesome you came back here to check out the hub. Glad my work wasn't in vain and glad you liked the extra pictures.

blowsie  says:
2 years ago

Hi Mate,

Some really usefull tips on your website dude, Im looking into gettin a half sleeve done, based around a hawaiian / floral design, although being a guy, don't want it to look too femine. Do you have any good pics / ideas / links

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Cheers!!

Ronnie  says:
2 years ago

Thanks for the great info on sleeves. I'm planning on getting a quarter sleeve on my right arm/shoulder due to the new restriction placed by the Marine Corps on sleeve tattoos. But I want to do it so that I can eventually make it into a full sleeve once I am out of the Corps. I've got one problem though...I have a solid black scorpion tatoo on my right shoulder where I want to get the sleeve, so I have to find a way to incorporate it into a theme. Since I'm Korean, I'm thinking about possibly getting a Korean/Asian theme...any idea on a good Asian theme that is unique and hasn't been done to death?

Alan  says:
2 years ago

hi,

i was wondering if you had any ideas on how i could make my two tattos join i have a half sleeve tribal and on the onside of my forarm i have the virgin mary. ive been throwing ideas around with my tattoist but now have really struck me...and help would be great

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Alan-

Without seeing a picture of the art work and tattoos you have it is kind of hard to make many suggestions. Also it is a very personal thing. if you could tell me the reasons why you got the tribal and virgin mary int he first place it might be eaier and if there were photos.

You might be able to carry off some good luck themes like a horseshow or some cards? The background is really the improtant part that you ahve to work otu and then you could fill i n with some smaller tattoos along the way. Another idea might be to go with a large Koi which you could then use water splashing background with. Japanese Tattoos with the beautiful blue range of water look great. But againw ithout knowing you and not seeing your tats already kind of hard to make any firm suggestions.

davey  says:
2 years ago

great and helpful site. Am planning a half sleeve but already have a large black panther on top arm. Had thought of lots of retro stuff eg swallows/anchors etc but any ideas would be great. Many thanks

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
2 years ago

Hey Davey-

I think you got some great ideas retro stuff looks hot esepcially with the new colors of ink on the market the retro designs look so much more briallant then 50 years ago. I always like the retro, old school tats. A panther will go welland can easily be included in the design so I think you are on the right track. You might want to try using Google Image search to find some more source material. Type in things like swallo tattoo or anchor tattoo and see what comes up. Another palce to look is www.flickr.com use the same search terms. Good luck and let me know!

Ninja  says:
2 years ago

hey man, great information here. i am working on a custom half sleeve and chest plate on both sides in the traditional japanese style. currently, i am at the design stage. i did have a question, if i may. you mentioned in an earlier post that you are familiar with japanese tattoo designs and such. if you can send me an email at "thecaptain2438 at yahoo dot com" i'd love to get some more information from you. thanks for your time.

john

JadoJodo  says:
2 years ago

Greetings,

I must say, I enjoyed this article immensely. I've contemplated getting a tattoo, as well as full sleeve tattooos. I'm pretty set on a Demon Hunter (StormTheGatesOfHell.com) or P.O.D. sleeve. Ever seen any like that?

Joseph  says:
18 months ago

Awsome information fella, really cool that you took the time to write it. I am at the beginning of planning my half sleeve in Japanese style and love the look of Koi fish... have you any details on meanings etc... Finding the planning stage so exciting, cant wait to get started. I'm in London... can you recomend any artists

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
18 months ago

Hi There Joseph-

Thanks for the positive comments. I enjoy writing about tattoos and posting pictures so it is fun to create these pages. Good luck on your new Japanese Sleeve tattoo design it sounds awesome. Love to see it when you get the work done.

As far as meaning that is pretty complex and hard to write about in a short paragraph. Since you mentioned koi you might check out this other hupage that I created on Koi

http://hubpages.com/hub/koi-fish-tattoos

There is a lot of incredible symbolism behind koi fisha nd they make beautiful tattoos.

As far as recommendations for artists I don't have any. Most of the artists I know all live here across the pond in the states. Good luck!

Joseph  says:
18 months ago

Thanks for the reply, I'll keep you posted!! - just have to get my wife on board

Valerieabear profile image

Valerieabear  says:
17 months ago

What a great read on this topic--very informative, thank you.

--Valerie

P.S. I could swear that guy w/the sleeves in the pic is my daughter's father whom she hasn't spoken to in over a year now--"Hey Xavier, call you daughter already! She just turned 7 and you didn't even call her w/a Happy Birthday!"--LOL. J/K. :)

Valerieabear profile image

Valerieabear  says:
17 months ago

P.S.P.S. Do you have any good resources for pin-up girls? I'm actually wanting one in a Marine uniform and haven't really found any good examples of what I'm looking for.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
17 months ago

Hey Valerieabear-

You are right how did you know that was Xavier? What a dog he is not calling his own flesh and blood and such a cute little 7 year old girl! Just kidding...Well only partially he is a dog for not calling his own daughter...

THanks for the positive comments I am glad you enjoyed the hubpage....

I just so happen to have another hubpage on pinup girl tattoos. Check it out:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Pinup_Girl_Tattoo

Again thanks for hte positive comments!

VERRAN  says:
17 months ago

HI THERE IM BEEN THINKING ABOUT GETTING A HALF SLEEVE AND CHEST MABE OF A DRAGON WITH THE HEAD ON MY CHEST ANOTHER OPTION IS TO GET JAPPANISE STYLE. DO YOU NO WHERE I CAN FIND SOME MORE IDEAS CHEERS. VERY GOOD READ IT REALY MADE ME THINK

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
17 months ago

Hey There Verran-

Yes I do happen to have a few great free sources that should help you a great deal. Two to be exact. I always make use of the Google.com image search to find tons of great photos of tattoos. This woun't show so much flash but is great to gather ideas and photos of tattoos. Also you can search flickr.com (notice it is without the e). Again all photos but great ideas none the less. Once you gather some good resrouces photos printthem out and take them to a tattoo artist and talk about what you like in each photo then have the artist design a tattoo for you. If they are unwilling to design a custom tattoo, or listen to your ideas or put you down in any way then just leave the shop and find someone else. It either means they have a bad cooler then you complex, they are too busy at the shop, or most often they can not draw very well and rely on stock flash to do tattoos. So these are not the type of tattoo artists you want tattooing on your body for sure. Anyway hope it helps!

Daniel  says:
16 months ago

hey nice page! Ive been thinking about getting a quarter sleeve with like flames starting on the wrist and turning into a sort of small tribal design up the arm but I have no clue where to start and how to design one myself!

Pippa  says:
16 months ago

Nice article. I'm busy planning a sleeve with my artist at the moment (actually going to see him tomorrow) and I agree completely - it's so important to have a good relationship with your artist so you can discuss ideas with them. I've finally decided on a theme and style for my piece - the theme is love and the style will be the day of the dead (although I'm not strictly sure if those are the correct categories, you get the idea... ;) ) and now I can't wait to get the whole process started. I sent him a whole lot of images I liked and he's using those to start to design it, with my input.

Of course, this is the time when he tells me I should slow down and make sure it's all planned, and whilst I'm itching to start, its great advice... after all - not only is a sleeve a big committment timewise, its also a big social committment - people will be seeing it on you for the rest of your life, you dont want it to look s***...

All I can say for anyone considering it, is go for it - if that's what you want to do, no matter what people tell you, as long as you're happy that's what's important...

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
16 months ago

Hey Pippa-

Sounds like you are on track for one awesome sleeve tattoo. YOu ahve taken all the right steps adn you are dead on in your comments. Best of luck and hope you enjoy!

flyingphreak profile image

flyingphreak  says:
16 months ago

Tattoos are addictive.

Mario Rocha  says:
16 months ago

Hey man, amazing info...i'm going for a full sleeve, just researching on the net, i already have a massive urban graffitti tattoo and want to complement it...any suggestions?

klarkieboy  says:
16 months ago

hey guys , i would just like to say what good info you have here, ive been thinking of getting a sleeve done for the past year but im useless at thinking up of any ideas. really i would love it to be around music, specialy madonns haha sad i know but i love her.. i already have some of her lyrics on my shoulder blade and would like to carry it on from there.

do you have any ideas or any resources u know of to help with my ideas?

thanx alot.

creepy  says:
16 months ago

Hey mate, ive been researching getting a half sleeve black/grey bio organic but am having trouble finding many examples of them to fuel my ideas. Any suggestions for websites that may specialize or at least have a good selection?

Fitzy  says:
16 months ago

Guys, I want to get a full sleeve job done with an octopus fighting with a mermaid on my forarm with king neptune coming to the mermaids rescue about to throw his pitch fork at the octopus on my shoulder and down my upper arm. I can't find anything to help me design this, could you PLEASE help me out and point me in the right direction. Thanks heaps.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
16 months ago

Fitzy sounds like a really great tattoo dsigna nd you already know what you want. I will give you a big hint. You probably will not find something that exact on the internet. Instead you should find a local tattoo artist that you can work well with and pay to have them design it for you. You could spend time looking at google images or flickr.com and try to find some octopus or mermaid tattoos but you will not find a whole sleeve design like that as it is very orginal. Great ideas though and it would be well worth paying someone to design it for you.

Eric  says:
15 months ago

I can certainly appreciate the artwork that goes into these, but why in the world would someone want to look at that on themselves every day for the rest of their lives? It's like being forced to wear the same shirt forever, even after it goes out of style.

Barrett  says:
15 months ago

I've been wanting to get a half sleeve for sometime now, but I'm joining the coast gaurd. I'm having to get a quarter sleeve instead which is ok but I'm worried that the design I have in mind might not fit. I've got long arms but if my arms get any bigger in size will it affect the tattoo after I've had it.

jessy.waite  says:
15 months ago

ever since i saw Travis Barkers seleves ive wanted to get one haha, but i just dont know what to get i just cant see me getting something crazy like that. thanks for the free info tho :P

http://yourguideto.info

Jonesy  says:
13 months ago

Great article! Thank you for all of the information...

I've been thinking about getting a sleeves for sometime now to help connect the ones that I already have, and I think I'm finally ready to start taking the first steps in actually getting it done...

It's all so exciting...

xiolo  says:
13 months ago

Very informative page, it's cool to find info devoted to sleeves.

I've started designing mine, and need to find a local artist to give me a hand with it. I'm getting a full sleeve of The Lord's Prayer. Except instead of words, it's going to be a pictoral representation of it down my arm. The more research I do, the more excited I get to get started!

davie  says:
13 months ago

hi there, i have a horrible black cover up on my fore arm and id really like a good sleeve tattoo with birth flowers for my daughters. i was told by someone that it may be possible to tattoo white over it. is this possible?

thanks

davie

Davy2  says:
13 months ago

I heard just recently that it was indeed possible to "coverup"in white - though it sounded more like it was a lightening of the tattoo before covering up.

Best thing to do is to talk to an artist - preferably the one who will be doing the work. It also sounded like a multiple-visit operation as well.

Snipez  says:
12 months ago

I dont think that the 4th pic down is real sleeves, Looks like hes wearing those fake fabric ones.

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
12 months ago

Snipez-

Never noticed until you said that and now as I look close you might be right.

madman1304  says:
12 months ago

hello there. i am looking into get a half sleeve done in a kirituhi style, (similar to the maori style), format, and i was wondering if you have any information regarding that. its kind of a tossup between this style or something like a hawaiian tribal style, (can't make up my mind which). if you could, please email me at madman1304 at yahoo dot com.

I really enjoyed your page. it did provide some information that I didn't know. thanks a ton.

Sean  says:
11 months ago

Hey man, easily the most informative page i've seen on tattoo's in general so far.

Im getting yet another tattoo, and am thinking of turning it into a sleve, would you have any pics/links on connecting many tattoo's to make a sleve, and in your opinion, how do these sleves look? Any information would be amazing!

Chris  says:
11 months ago

Alot of helpfull and great information. I am sarting my half sleeve design now. I have 4 other pieces and this is going to be the biggest one yet. I want all my life values in this. Any suggestions? My main focus is Firefighting, U.S. Air Force, little girl and my grandfather who passed away. How would you incorporate all these ideas into one?

Dale  says:
11 months ago

Hey, ive been lookin to get a sleeve, something more cultural, maori polynesian.. would you perhaps have any suggestions as to where i can find a design that will catch my eyes?

Design Your Own Tattoo  says:
10 months ago

Thanks man, ive found this heaps helpful!

joe  says:
10 months ago

great info m8. iv been wondering about getting a sleeve and im now going to think long and hard to try n come up with some ideas to try n make up a personal and meaningful sleeve of my own

Design Your Own Tattoo  says:
10 months ago

Ive looked at quite a few design databases on the web, too many sleeve designs are too complicated, want something a bit simple and nice .. cheers mate

Chris  says:
10 months ago

I want a half sleeve but im not really sure what im looking for. I want to be able to browse a bunch of pictures

Erin  says:
9 months ago

Hey. I've been wanting a quarter sleeve ( my shoulder to about an inch or two above my elbow). I have never had a tatto before, but know plenty of people who have. Is it a bad idea to just jump in and get something that big, for me at least? Also, i originally had a collection of small tattoos i wanted, but now i want to combine them into my quarter sleeve. Will a tatto artist usually work with you to help combine all your ideas and maybe give you new ones? I know it is my tatto, but i don't wanna be annoying for my artist?

ghienne profile image

ghienne  says:
9 months ago

great tattoos...............wish i could have one but affraid of needles.

Dusty   says:
9 months ago

Thanks for this it helps a bunch. I want a half sleeve for right now but it won't be my first :) I got my first on whats supposed to be one of the worst places (my right side of my ribs) and I felt it very relaxing but not painful at all. If I get like half a sleeve atas a whole idea do you think it would matter later for finishing it? peace

pete  says:
9 months ago

I just love the full sleeves and half sleeve tattoos, especsially the tribal one. I am definetly going to get one just like that. I am going to do it as soon as possible. all these designs are great and have really now vonvincesd me.

roy millington  says:
8 months ago

thanks for the pics and advice i got a three quarter tribel on my left arm would like to add a yellow rose vine through it what you think .

Roo  says:
8 months ago

You're tattoo's are gay

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
8 months ago

Roo very eloquent dude, u must be a smart one! Even though I apperciate your love and attention they are not my tattoos. Just a collection of sleeve tattoos. Thanks for the love at any rate! Right back at you!

steve  says:
8 months ago

site would be better if your spelling and grammar was correct

danica  says:
8 months ago

hi im wondering if theres any designs u know of like a scorpion wrapping around a rose?

Toad  says:
8 months ago

Hey man, great read, cheers.



I was wondering... i was looking at getting a half sleeve with a front chest plate a couple years back, and the shop I used to get all my work done in had a whole bunch of pre-designed and more importantly blank stencil outlines of the gerneral shape of sleeve / seleeve and chest plate tattoos so you can kinda figure out how to fill the area and design it yourself... do you have any idea where I could get a rough template such as this as I have now moved abroad and have not seen this anywhere else?


Cheers


Bill  says:
7 months ago

Im looking to get half sleeves on both arms considering i cant go lower for future job but I already have a tattoo and both arm 1. is a cross 2. is praying hands. I want to make either sum kind of tribal background around it or somthing that can blend in that deals with religion or other topics.... Any ideas??? Hit me back here or email me please


Thank you xiversonx0303@yahoo.com

jhartman  says:
7 months ago

Hey I was really interested in getting an angel wing quarter sleeve that starts on my shoulder and wraps around.  I've been looking around everywhere for some pictures or inspiration  and i cannot find anything.  Do you have any suggestions? hj2828@gmail.com Thanks!

Choi  says:
6 months ago

Hey there!! thanks this page has been very informative for me ! I have been asked to design a full sleeve tattoo for someone. He's asked for a grim reaper, and a skeleton riding a motorbike, and to fill the rest with random skulls. Should I draw it all together as one big picture to wrap around his arm, or should I give him individual pictures as portions of the sleeve? Thanks !

GreatTattoosNow profile image

GreatTattoosNow  says:
6 months ago

Hey Choi- Not sure if you will ever come back here to the site to check the comments or not. In answer to your question it is probably best to design the whole sleeve and then brak it down into sections of individual drawaings. For sure you want the whole sleeve to start with. You might try looking in google for some tattoo forums where tattoo artists hang out. Many there will be willing to share th eexact ways they do it. There are a lot of ways to go about the project but get some advie so you don't screw up the guys design. Good luck!

ashlee  says:
6 months ago

what do people think of half sleeve on a girl?


and also, i alread have some tattoos, but, im not sure i know what to get for half sleeve?


some ideas please?

Krysta  says:
5 months ago

That was very informative despite the fact that I already what some of the facts mean and what to ask about a person's tatto history.

sam  says:
5 months ago

thanks alot guys/girls i know all i need to know now cheers im gettin a full sleeve its my first tat so i was abit worried but now im fine thanks again!

Phil  says:
5 months ago

Thanks alot for all the info composed together on this site. I found it to be really helpful. I have had hit and miss tattoos in the past and want to graduate to full sleeves this spring. I have been shopping around for price and experience. I am glad to read that the prices, I have been quoted from artists, are similar to the ballpark cost mentioned on this site. With that being said, how do I incorporate all my ideas into sleeves. I think I am simple to design for, because it don't take much to amuse me when it comes to tattoos. I like both bio-mechanic and bio-flesh designs but I don't think they would look to good together. Could anyone give me some guidance. Thanks!

KT  says:
5 months ago

Thanks for all of the info! I already have multiple tats....and a few "big" ones on my arms. As a girl, I'm having a problem finding someone qualified locally to start a full sleeve that would include what I already have. It's a real bummer that a lot of tattoo shops can only trace what they have on the wall :(

Dorothy  says:
5 months ago

Greetings! Nice, informative page. I'm on my way to a 3/4 sleeve with an artist I love, and I'm extremely excited to get started. I have more of an etiquette question. I've got a number of tattoos, and I've always tipped my artists. None of my other work has taken more than one session--so I'm wondering, should I tip for each session or when the work is complete? Thank you!

DEAN  says:
4 months ago

gday mate i need your help with an aussie themed sleeve


cheers mate

Brianna  says:
4 months ago

I've been considering a sleeve, and I definitely found your information very useful.


It just made me lean more to a yes on getting that sleeve done.

dean  says:
4 months ago

wank tattoos

Stevie  says:
4 months ago

Hey Man, great info you've got on here.. I've been talking with my local tattoo guy for about 6 months on what i'd like to get in my full sleeve.. I haven't rushed into it yet, but i'm starting to get disheartened.. i cant really find the kind of things i'm looking for..


Basicly, I want it done as soon as possible, but i've been wanting that for the full 6 months of my thoughts lol.. All we've established in that time is it's gonna be on my left arm lol.. I'm thinking towards the sort of Aztec designs, different aztec patches almost.. one on the top of my shoulder to my arm-pit, a small gap then one on my bi-cep goin halfway around my arm and then a different one on the back, both of which i want going to my elbow.. then another 2 going down 3/4 of the way on my lower arm then on band down to my wrist.. what do you think? Any ideas which could help me along my way? E-mail me if you can as i may forget about this site.. Thanks in advance!! cfc_holmesy@hotmail.co.uk

matt  says:
4 months ago

high im thinking about getting a sleeve but iv got thin arms im just looking for advice im thinking about just bold blades spiralling down my arm then adding to it later what do people think it will be my first tatto aswell

ink me up tattoos  says:
3 months ago

great reading as im about to start tattooing my first sleeve ive been tattooing for 5 years so hopeforly im ready for it skulls,dragons,castle and a graveyard up from ankle to above the knee

Zane McArthur  says:
3 months ago

Hey bro. Im keen to to a full tribal arm sleeve. I was thinking about getting a designer to sketch it up? Not to sure how good of a design i will get from my local tattooest? What do you think?

Zane McArthur  says:
3 months ago

Hey bro. Im keen to to a full tribal arm sleeve. I was thinking about getting a designer to sketch it up? Not to sure how good of a design i will get from my local tattooest? What do you think?

ufgcom profile image

ufgcom  says:
2 months ago

Very nice hub man! My buddy has a full sleeve, which is pretty sweet.. something I wouldn't get personally ;) but I do like sleeves.. especially when they tell a story.

ufgcom profile image

ufgcom  says:
2 months ago

Also liked the number of pictures of different tattoo sleeves you have.. looks good!

dave  says:
4 weeks ago

i want to get a tribal tattoo with all the triangles and patterns in it but l m an aussie is it still ok to get a tribal tattoo

Steve W  says:
4 weeks ago

great hub, love the pictures so much. Tattoo arts are really addicted!

Steve W  says:
4 weeks ago

great hub, love the pictures so much. Tattoo arts are really addicted!

Seb  says:
3 weeks ago

hey mate, im looking at getting my frist tattoo - 3/4 sleeve.. im leaning towards a coastal, colourful design but carnt think of a way to tie it all together... any suggestions for a background or something?


cheers mate

Sarah  says:
2 weeks ago

Sleeves Are Amazing. I Have one Myself. I think Every one Should get One.

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